Apparatus and method for inspecting sewer lines using small mobile vehicles

ABSTRACT

A light weight vehicle adapted to conduct and assist cleaning and video inspections of sewer lines. The vehicle is configured to be light and maneuverable. The vehicle is equipped with inspection cameras and support equipment that are positioned such that the operator can conduct the inspection from inside the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a telescoping camera boom that enables an operator to inspect the inside of manholes. The vehicles includes sides and a roof that provides protection for the operators, equipment, and paperwork.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.60/484,829.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention discloses novel vehicles adapted to assist insewer maintenance operations. The novel vehicles may be configured forconducting video inspections of a sewer line and manholes (“inspectionvehicle) or for assisting in sewer cleaning operations (“supportvehicle”). When configured for video operations, the novel vehicles areequipped with the necessary equipment for carrying out videoinspections. When configured for support operations, the novel vehiclesare equipped with water access equipment. In both configurations, thenovel vehicles are equipped with a selection of hand tools.

The disclosed method for cleaning and performing video inspections ofsewer lines and manholes require the coordination of various employees,vehicles, equipment, and a mobile hose pulling apparatus (hereafter“hose puller”). The hose puller is disclosed in an application entitledMethod and Apparatus for Pulling Hose, also claiming priority toProvisional Application No. 60/484,82, which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference. The novel vehicles disclosed herein and methods ofusing the vehicles significantly increases the efficiency of sewermaintenance operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sewer lines are cleaned using high pressure water connected to acleaning head. The cleaning head is inserted into the sewer line at adownstream manhole. Once inserted, the cleaning head is propelledup-stream through the sewer line by the high pressure water. The debrisdislodged by the high pressure water is washed downstream and collectsin the downstream manhole. The high pressure water is supplied by acleaning truck.

A typical cleaning truck is equipped with a 40 ft. suction boom with aremovable stand pipe. The cleaning crew uses the suction boom and standpipe to remove the debris that accumulates in the downstream manhole.The debris that is removed from the downstream manhole is stored on thecleaning truck in debris tanks.

The standard cleaning truck is large and heavy and must be kept on ahard surface capable of supporting its weight. A standard cleaning truckoften cannot reach manholes that are outside of the 40 ft. boom reach.When manholes are more than 40 ft. from a hard surface, additionalequipment and crew members required. A typical cleaning and televisioninspection requires four people. When a manhole is in a remote easementarea, five people may be required.

The disclosed novel vehicles and method allow sewer cleaning andtelevision inspection to be conducted in remote easement areas withoutadditional equipment or crew members. The novel vehicles and methodallow a typical crew size to be reduced to three people.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a mobile service vehicle with acompact body having an interior and an exterior; two wheels rotationallyengaged to the compact body; a power source connect to the compact bodyand operationally associated with at least one of the wheels; a steeringcontrol operationally associated with at least one of the wheels; and asewer cleaning line reel mounted to the compact body. The compact bodyis generally sized to be less than 40 inches wide and tall enough toallow an operator to sit comfortably inside. The power source is aplurality of batteries

The mobile service vehicle may be configured with the sewer cleaningline reel mounted on the exterior of the compact body. In oneconfiguration, the reel is sized to hold 700 ft. of 1¼″ lay flat hose.

The mobile service vehicle may further include a reel control forcontrolling the sewer cleaning line reel. The reel control is optimallymounted to the exterior of the compact body. Further, the sewer cleaningline reel may be adapted to be powered by the power source.

The mobile service vehicle may also include wheels that are sized andtreaded to support the mobile service vehicle on soft ground.

Another embodiment includes a mobile inspection vehicle comprising acompact body having an interior and an exterior; a seat positioned inthe interior of the compact body; two wheels rotationally engaged to thecompact body; a power source connect to the compact body andoperationally associated with at least one of the wheels; a steeringcontrol operationally associated with at least one of the wheels; and acamera boom connected to the compact body. The mobile inspection vehiclemay further include a reel adapted to manipulate a transmission line.The reel may be positioned on the compact body in operational alignmentwith the camera boom.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a reel control boxthat is connected to the reel for controlling the reel. The reel controlbox is ideally positioned in the interior of the compact body. Also, thereel control box may be positioned relative to the seat such that thereel control box is within easy reach of an operator sitting in theseat.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a transmission linestored on the reel. The transmission line has a first end adapted to beconnected to a video inspection camera and a second end adapted to beconnected to a video recorder. The transmission line may be sized tosuit a particular application. For most inspection operations, thetransmission line is over 1,000 feet long.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a video camera controlbox for controlling a video inspection camera. The video control box ispositioned on the interior of the compact body. Ideally, the videocontrol box should be positioned within easy reach of an operatorsitting in the seat.

The mobile inspection vehicle disclosed is also configured with a cameraboom. The camera boom may be of many different designs, but two designsare particularly adapted for sewer inspections. In one, the camera boomcomprises a frame member with a proximal and distal edge, wherein theproximal edge is in rotationally engaged to the compact body; a standconnected to the frame member and configured to support the camera boomwhen in a deployed position; and a guide spool rotationally connected tothe distal edge of the frame member. In the other, the camera boomcomprises a telescoping body having an upper and lower end; a mountingbracket connecting the telescoping body to the compact body; a guidespool rotationally connected to the upper end of the telescoping body;and a camera connected to the lower end of the telescoping body. In bothapplications, a transmission line provides a video connection from thecamera to the inspection vehicle. However, it is contemplated that theconnection may be direct or indirect. Further, the connection may bewireless.

In an optimal configuration, the camera attached to the telescopingcamera boom is a pan and tilt camera. For additional functionality, alaser may be associated with the camera to provide a measuringcapability not normally inherent in a camera. The telescoping cameraboom is configured to be at least at least six feet long when fullyextended.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a power inverterpositioned on the compact body and connected to the power source.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a video monitorpositioned within the cabin of the inspection vehicle, wherein the videomonitor is operably connected to the camera.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a video recorderconnected to the video camera.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include an air compressor andhose. The compressed air hose should be accessible from the exterior ofthe compact body.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include an air conditioningunit connected to the compact body such that cool air is provided to theinterior of the compact body.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a keyboard adapted toenter text onto the video image displayed on the video monitor.

The mobile inspection vehicle may further include a microphone adaptedto enter verbal comments onto the video image.

A further embodiment of the current invention includes a method ofcleaning and inspecting sewer lines comprising the steps of positioninga cleaning truck in proximity to a manhole; running a hose from thecleaning truck to a water source; connecting the hose to the watersource; running a hose from the cleaning truck to the manhole; attachinga jet water cleaning nozzle to the water hose; feeding the jet watercleaning nozzle into the sewer line to be cleaned. A hose puller may beused to pull the hose from the cleaning truck to the manhole. The hosepuller may also be used to supply hose into the manhole during thecleaning operation.

The method may further include the step of positioning a mobileinspection vehicle at a downstream manhole to monitor the progress ofthe jet water cleaning nozzle.

The method may also include the step of communicating to the cleaningtruck when the jet water cleaning nozzle completes a section of sewerline.

The method may also include the step of running a debris hose from thecleaning truck to the manhole and applying a suction to remove debrisfrom the manhole.

The method may also include the step of monitoring the progress of thehose remotely from the cleaning truck.

The method may also include the step of feeding visual inspectionequipment into the cleaned sewer line from the inspection vehicle.

The method may also include the step of viewing and commenting on theinspection footage from inside the mobile inspection vehicle.

The method may also include the step of recording the images from thevisual inspection equipment, which inspection equipment is typically asewer line inspection camera.

The method may also include the step of controlling the movement of thevisual inspection equipment from inside the mobile inspection vehicle.

A further embodiment of the invention includes a method of inspectingmanholes comprising the steps of positioning a inspection vehicle nextto a manhole; lowering a camera attached to a telescoping camera boominto the manhole; controlling the camera direction and depth from theinterior of said inspection vehicle; and recording the images capturedby the camera. The method may further include using a pan and tiltcamera, which may be configured to include a laser for taking lasermeasurements. The method may further comprise the step of takingmeasurements using the laser.

The method may further include the step of tracking the amount oftransmission line used in order to determine the depth of the manhole.The method may further include the step of recording comments andrelevant inspection data on the images captured by the camera.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which in addition to the above form the subject of theclaims of the invention. It should be appreciated that the conceptionand specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basisfor modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized that suchequivalent constructions do not depart from the invention as set forthin the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to becharacteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and methodof operation, together with further objects and advantages will bebetter understood from the following description when considered inconnection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that each of the figures are provided for thepurpose of illustration and description only and are not intended todefine of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, features, and details of the invention are explained ingreater detail in the following description of the preferred embodiment,with the aid of drawings as listed below. For a more completeunderstanding of the present invention, reference is now made to thefollowing descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle adapted for video inspections;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a vehicle adapted for video inspections;

FIG. 3 is a view of equipment positioning within a vehicle adapted forvideo inspections;

FIG. 4 is a view of a telescoping camera boom that may be mounted to avehicle adapted for video inspections;

FIG. 5 is a rear view vehicle configured for sewer cleaning supportfunctions; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Upon review of the detailed description and the accompanying drawingsprovided herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artthat maneuverable sewer utility vehicles may be used in a wide varietyof applications that require inspection and support equipment to betransported through narrow access ways or across soft or fragile ground.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the structures andmethods specifically described and illustrated herein. The disclosedvehicles are uniquely adapted to operate near and at a work site. Thevehicles also provide enclosed environments that protect equipment anddocuments from the environment.

A. Mobile Inspection Vehicle

FIG. 1 shows a mobile access vehicle 10 adapted for video inspection.The vehicle 10 is designed to be around thirty inches wide and six feetlong. One skilled in the art readily understands that the size may bevaried depending on the equipment and the particular application. In allapplications, however, the vehicle is designed to be small and mobile.The size of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is limited in that it must besmall enough to pass through easements such as alleyways and yards toreach manholes. Compact, as used herein means sized generally asdescribed above, yet large enough to allow a person to sit comfortablyin the interior of the vehicle.

Additionally, the vehicle 10 must be light enough cross soft surfaceswithout causing undue damage. For example, access to a manhole mayrequire travel across a grass or other soft surfaces that are not strongenough to support a car or truck.

FIG. 1 shows the vehicle with three wheels. However, it is contemplatedthat the vehicle may have four wheels. The wheels are relatively wide tobetter distribute the weight over a larger area. In the three wheelvariation shown, additional stability wheels 32 may be used to supportto the vehicle while turning or working on a slope. The stability wheels32 are positioned on both sides of the vehicle in the manner shown.Because the width of the vehicle is important, the stability wheels 32are designed not to extend beyond the width of the vehicle body.Alternatively, the stability wheels can be configured to be retractablesuch that the vehicle 10 may navigate tight areas and extend thestability wheels 32 only when necessary. In such a configuration, thestability wheels may be configured to extend beyond the width of thevehicle.

Vehicle 10 is also shown with sides 11 and a roof 12. Sides 11 and roof12 enclose and protect sensitive electronic equipment and documents fromdamaging weather and dust. Additionally, sides 11 and roof 12 protectthe operator from low lying branches and the like and provide acomfortable environment in which to work. Sides 11 are sized to allow anoperator to sit conformably inside the cabin. Sides 11 and top 12 may bemade of any lightweight material. Examples include light gage steel,plastic, or a heavy tarp. Sides 11 include windows 13. The windows 13may be tinted to allow an operator to view video images in brightsunlight. The interior of the vehicle is defined by that area enclosedby the sides and roof. The interior is designed to provide an area thatis protected from the weather, dust and the like.

A vehicle that is adapted for video inspection optimally includes acamera boom 15. The camera boom is attached to the vehicle 10 and islowered to a generally horizontal position for use (deployed position).FIG. 2 shows the back of vehicle 10 with the camera boom in the loweredposition. Stand 33 supports the camera boom 15 when in a loweredposition.

A vehicle configured for video inspection may also include the followingcomponents, which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3:

a. An on-board battery power source 16 that consists of four 24-voltbatteries. Although four batteries are shown, it is understood that anynumber of batteries may be used. The voltage provided by the batteriesmay also be adjusted to suit a particular application. The batteries arecharged using recharge receptacle 17. The vehicle is battery poweredboth with respect to movement and operation of substantially allon-board equipment. Although the vehicle is shown with an on-boardbattery power source, one skilled in the art understands that alternatesources of power may be provided. For example, the vehicle may beequipped with a gas powered generator. The batteries are shown under aflip-up seat 36.

b. A power inverter 18. The power inverter 18 is connected to theon-board battery source and converts the power to 120 volts AC. Thevehicle may also be configured with transformers or the like as neededto operate various equipment. Additionally, the vehicle may configuredwith AC plugs ins for electrical equipment.

c. A pan and tilt and lighted-head camera 19 (shown in FIG. 1). The panand tilt and lighted-head camera is particularly adapted for inspectingsewer lines. However, the vehicle may also be equipped with alternativetypes of equipment. Examples include survey equipment, sensors, and thelike. The cameras are connected to the transmission lines when they arein use. The images generated from the camera are shown on a televisionmonitor 24 in the interior of the vehicle.

d. A coaxial transmission line and reel unit 20. The coaxial line isprovided for use with the video equipment, although it may be adaptedfor other equipment. Optimally, the transmission line is at least 1,500ft long, though various lengths are contemplated. The coaxial reel unitis also adapted to track the length of coaxial transmission line that isused during a video operation. Tracking the amount of cable used allowsthe operator to monitor where in the sewer line the video camera 19 islocated. This data may also be input and stored on the video footage.The reel is controlled by a reel control box 21. The reel control box 21enables the operator to control the speed of the reel rotation. Althougha transmission line is described, one skilled in the art understandsthat any means of transmitting the video image from the camera to theoperator may be used. The reel control box is shown in the interior ofthe vehicle.

e. A camera control box 22. The camera control box 22 controls the panand tilt and lighted head camera 19. The camera 19 can be controlledboth in terms of movement within the sewer line and the direction of thecamera lens. The camera control box is shown in the interior of thevehicle.

f. An over-write device for entering specific job information on themagnetic recorder 30. Although a VCR is shown, it is contemplated thatany number of devices that store information can be used, including acomputer. Information may be manually entered by a keyboard 34,automatically stored or stamped on the recordings, or combinationsthereof. For example, information on the amount of coaxial transmissionline used may be input onto the inspection image as a lengthmeasurement. It is also contemplated that GPS information may berecorded. Further, the vehicle 10 may include a microphone 31 forrecording comments on the inspection images. The information is enteredby the inspection vehicle operator while they are inside the vehicleconducting the inspection. The information entered by the operator maybe recorded along with the video image or as a separate file.

g. A compressed air apparatus with hose and reel 23. The compressed airapparatus may be an air storage tank or an air compressor. The aircompressor is connected to the vehicle batteries.

h. A television monitor 24. The television monitor is set up to reviewin real time the images from the camera. Alternative systems for viewingimages are also contemplated. For example, the televisions monitor couldbe replaced with a computer monitor. Although one monitor is shown,multiple monitors may be employed.

i. An air conditioner, heater, or other climate control devices 25. Theclimate control device is positioned to control the climate on theinterior of the vehicle. The climate on the interior may be controlledto protect sensitive electronic equipment or simply for the comfort ofthe operator. The climate control device is powered by the vehiclebattery power.

j. General use tools that include, but are not limited to, shovels,pick-axes, pry bars, sledge hammers, safety harnesses, and lights.

k. Communication equipment such as radios, walkie-talkies, phones, orthe like.

Instead of camera boom 15, vehicle 10 may be configured with atelescoping camera boom 35 for manhole inspections. FIG. 4 shows atelescoping camera boom 35. The telescoping camera boom 35 includes atelescoping set of tubes that allows an attached pan and tilt camera tobe lowered into a manhole for inspection of the manhole interior. Thecamera may also include a laser for taking measurements and readingswithin the manhole. The telescoping camera boom 35 is attached to themobile vehicle to provide the necessary strength and rigidity from whichthe camera can perform its actions. The telescoping set of tubesstabilizes the camera while it is in use. The camera is raised andlowered using the coaxial cable and reel unit 20. As with thetransmission line used with camera boom 15, the transmission line usedwith camera boom 35 is configured to automatically record the depth of amanhole. This is accomplished by tracking the amount of transmissionline used. Once skilled in the art understands that other means ofautomatically recording depth are available.

The combination of the mobile vehicle, moving on its own power, and theattached manhole inspector allows the inspection operator to quickly andeasily move from one manhole to another for inspection, includingmanholes in remote areas.

B. Mobile Support Vehicle

FIG. 5 shows vehicle 10′ configured to perform sewer cleaning supportfunctions. A sewer cleaning support vehicle is designed on the sameframe as the video vehicle 10. Vehicle 10′ is shown with soft sides,which may be plastic, tarp or the like. The interior space in whichdrawings and the like can be kept clean and dry. A support vehicleoptimally includes at least the following components:

a. A ⅓ horsepower reel 26. The reel 26 is used for storage, feed out,and retrieval of a sewer cleaning water supply hose. The reel capacityis optimally at least 300 ft. of 1¼ ft. lay flat water hose. It isunderstood that different reels may be used based on the particularapplication. The reel 26 is also adapted to free-wheel when the supportvehicle 10′ is laying out the water hose.

b. A reel control unit 27. The reel control unit 27 is configured tocontrol reel 26. The control unit is shown positioned in the upper leftside of the rear of vehicle 10′. One skilled in the art understand thatthe control unit may be positioned anywhere on the vehicle.

c. An on-board battery power source 28 that consist of four 24-voltbatteries. The batteries are positioned as shown in FIG. 3. Althoughfour batteries are shown, it is understood that any number of batteriesmay be used. The voltage provided by the batteries may also be adjustedto suit a particular application. The batteries are charged usingrecharge receptacle (not shown). Although the vehicle is shown with anon-board battery power source, one skilled in the art understands thatalternate sources of power may be provided. For example, the vehicle maybe equipped with a gas powered generator.

d. General use tools that include, but are not limited to, fire-hydrantwrenches, water meters, shovels, pick-axes, pry bars, lights, and sledgehammers.

e. Communication equipment such as radios, walkie-talkies, phones, orthe like.

C. Method for Using Mobile Vehicles to Clean and Inspect Sewer Lines

A cleaning tuck is positioned as near as possible to a manhole thatprovides access to the section of sewer to be cleaned or inspected.Alternatively, the cleaning truck may be strategically positionedbetween the manhole and the nearest water source, depending on thedistance between the water source and the manhole. Once the cleaningtruck is in position, the cleaning truck operator unloads the hosepuller and positions it next to the manhole. The operator then connectsthe hose puller to a power supply, which is typically provided by thecleaning truck. The power is used to operate the hose puller and hosepuller camera. After the hose puller has been connected to a powersource, the operator feeds a high pressure water hose from the cleaningtruck into the hose puller. Once the high pressure water hose is fedinto the hose puller, the hose puller is ready to pull additional highpressure water hose from the cleaning truck to the manhole for linecleaning.

While the hose puller is being positioned, a vehicle 10′ configured forsewer cleaning support functions connects one end of the lay-flat hoseto the cleaning truck. After the hose is connected, the sewer cleaningsupport vehicle 10′ is repositioned near a convenient water source, suchas a fire hydrant. Once in position near a water source, the supportvehicle operator connects a water meter and the loose end of thelay-flat hose to the water source. The water meter allows the work crewto monitor the water supply to the cleaning truck and the amount ofwater used. Close monitoring of water assures a constant water supplyfor uninterrupted cleaning operations. One skilled in the artunderstands that the foregoing description can be modified to meetparticular applications and equipment. For example, the hose may beconnected first to the fire hydrant. Also, the location of the watermeter may be positioned anywhere along the line, depending on cityordinances and user requirements.

It is also contemplated that the support vehicle 10′ may be equippedwith a pump to supply water from non-pressurized water sources to thecleaning truck. Examples of non-pressurized water sources include lakes,ponds, streams, and the like.

At the same time the hose puller is being positioned near the manhole, avehicle 10 configured for video inspection is also positioned at themanhole to assist the cleaning truck operator in setting up the hosepuller and preparing for the sewer line cleaning.

Once the water supply has been hooked up to the cleaning truck, thecleaning jet is then run through the sewer line section. The movement ofthe cleaning jet is assisted by the hose puller, which pulls the highpressure water hose from the cleaning truck and into the manhole. Withthe assistance of the hose puller, the cleaning jet is able to run asmany as three sections of line. The camera attached to the hose pullerallows an operator positioned in or near the cleaning truck to remotelyoperate the hose puller during the cleaning process. Alternatively, thehose puller can be operated by a control panel on the hose puller.

After preparing the sewer line for cleaning, the vehicle 10 configuredfor video inspection is repositioned at a manhole upstream of thecleaning operation and the operator of vehicle 10 monitors the cleaningoperation. When the cleaning jet arrives at the upstream manhole, thecleaning tuck is notified and the distance between the downstreammanhole and the upstream manhole is noted. Knowing the distance betweenmanholes allows the cleaning truck operator to make multiple passesthrough the sewer line without the further assistance. The video vehiclethen surveys the next section of sewer line while the cleaning isunderway.

Once the cleaning jet is retrieved, the cleaning truck operator vacuumswith a 200 ft. suction hose the debris and sediments that accumulated inthe downstream manhole. Alternatively, the vacuuming can be performedconcurrently with the cleaning operation.

The support vehicle 10′ is positioned at the upstream manhole to assistwith the video inspection. The upstream hole is plugged, if necessary,to limit water flow during the video inspection. When the upstream holehas been plugged, the camera is inserted into the newly cleaned sewersection. The cleaned sewer section is then inspected with a roboticvideo camera. The robotic video camera is controlled by the operator ofthe video inspection vehicle 10. The inspection footage is stored forfuture use. The operator of the video inspection unit also recordscomments and notes as the inspection is underway.

While the video inspection is underway, the cleaning truck retrieves thecleaning nozzle just ahead of the robotic camera so that the line isdewatered and the full circumference of the line can be inspected. Thesupport vehicle retrieves the water meter and disconnects the cleaningtruck from the water source.

All vehicles are then moved to the next sewer section that is to becleaned and the process starts over.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the presentapplication is not intended to be limited to the particular embodimentsof the vehicles and the methods described in the specification. As onewill readily appreciate from the disclosure, vehicles and methodspresently existing or later to be developed that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly,the appended claims are intended to include within their scope sucharticles and methods.

1. A mobile service vehicle comprising, a compact body having an interior and an exterior; two wheels rotationally engaged to the compact body; a power source connect to the compact body and operationally associated with at least one of said wheels; a steering control operationally associated with at least one of said wheels; and a sewer cleaning line reel mounted to the compact body.
 2. The mobile service vehicle of claim 1, wherein the compact body is less than 40 inches wide and is tall enough to allow a person to sit comfortably in the interior.
 3. The mobile service vehicle of claim 1, wherein the power source is a plurality of batteries.
 4. The mobile service vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the sewer cleaning line reel is mounted on the exterior of the compact body.
 5. The mobile service vehicle of claim 4 further comprising a reel control for controlling said sewer cleaning line reel, wherein said reel control is mounted to the compact body.
 6. The mobile service vehicle of claim 5, wherein said sewer cleaning line reel is powered by said power source.
 7. The mobile service vehicle of claim 6, wherein said reel control is mounted to the exterior of said compact body and is positioned adjacent to the sewer line cleaning reel.
 8. The mobile service vehicle of claim 7, wherein the wheels are sized and treaded to support the mobile service vehicle on soft ground.
 9. The mobile service vehicle of claim 8, wherein the sewer cleaning line reel is sized to hold 300 ft. of 1¼″ lay flat hose.
 10. The mobile service vehicle of claim 9, further comprising 1¼″ lay flat hose stored on said sewer cleaning line reel. 11-27. (canceled)
 28. A method of cleaning and inspecting sewer lines comprising the steps of positioning a cleaning truck in proximity to a manhole; running a hose from the cleaning truck to a water source using a support vehicle; connecting a hose to a water source; running the hose from the water source to the manhole; attaching a jet water cleaning nozzle to the water hose; and feeding the jet water cleaning nozzle into the sewer line to be cleaned.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of positioning a mobile inspection vehicle at a downstream manhole to monitor the progress of the jet water cleaning nozzle.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of communicating to the cleaning truck when the jet water cleaning nozzle completes a section of sewer line.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of running a debris hose from the cleaning truck to the manhole and applying a suction to remove debris from the manhole.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of monitoring the progress of the hose remotely from the cleaning truck.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of feeding a camera into the cleaned sewer line from the inspection vehicle.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of inspecting the sewer line immediately behind the cleaning nozzle.
 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of viewing and commenting on the inspection footage from inside the mobile inspection vehicle.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of recording the sewer pipe image.
 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of controlling the movement of the inspection camera from inside the mobile inspection vehicle.
 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of using a hose puller to pull the hose from the cleaning truck to the manhole.
 39. The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of using tracking the amount of hose required to run the cleaning nozzle from the downstream manhole to the upstream manhole.
 40. A method of inspecting manholes comprising the steps of positioning a inspection vehicle next to a manhole; lowering a camera attached to a telescoping camera boom into the manhole; controlling the camera direction and depth from the interior of said inspection vehicle; and recording the images captured by the camera.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the camera is a pan and tilt camera.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the camera is configured with a laser.
 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of taking measurements using the laser.
 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of tracking the amount of transmission line used in order to determine the depth of the manhole.
 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of recording comments and relevant inspection data on the images captured by the camera. 